Chapter 120
### **Chapter 120**
Carl's words, clearly a warning, sent a shiver through everyone present. His golden eyes scanned the ship, his gaze sharp—then, suddenly, he **laughed.**
**"Ah, I think I scared you all. My apologies."**
His chuckles echoed on deck, but nobody dared to relax. Even as he smiled, tension gripped the scholars like an iron chain. Their instincts told them—this man was far more dangerous when **amused.**
Carl's smile faded slightly when he noticed their stiffness. His brow furrowed, expression cooling.
Sensing the shift, Olivia's heartbeat **sped up.** She quickly forced a nervous laugh, stepping forward.
**"It's really comforting to have an Admiral of the Navy here, don't you all think?"**
Her voice, though steady, carried an unmistakable edge of **pleading.**
The scholars, realizing the hint, hurried to agree. Their voices were awkward and forced, but Carl's frown **eased.**
Olivia let out a quiet sigh of relief. Carefully, she spoke again.
**"Admiral Black Dragon, you haven't mentioned what it is you'd like to discuss with us."**
Carl waved a hand dismissively. **"There's no rush. I heard you're heading to Alabasta for an inspection, right? I'll come along. We can talk about my business after you finish."**
Olivia **froze.**
Her mind raced. **I can't let him follow me.**
**"There's no need!"** she said quickly. **"It's just a simple inspection. How can it compare with matters concerning Admiral Black Dragon? If you need us, please let us know directly!"**
Carl **smiled,** appreciating her understanding.
**"I don't need a crowd. You alone will do."**
He crossed his arms, leaning slightly toward her. **"Here's the thing: I discovered a relic and need someone proficient in ancient languages to interpret the text."**
Olivia's **eyes lit up.**
The weight of fear momentarily vanished, replaced by **pure scholarly passion.**
**Ancient texts? A relic?**
**What kind of ruin had an Admiral personally seeking a historian?**
She couldn't resist asking, **"Didn't Admiral Black Dragon once say he wasn't interested in history? Why the sudden interest in interpreting ancient texts?"**
Carl tilted his head, giving a slow, **knowing** smile.
**"Olivia, your curiosity might lead you astray. Be careful."**
Her body tensed.
**A warning.**
Though spoken lightly, she felt it in her **bones.**
Her throat tightened. The guilt of her research—the fear of Ohara's fate—made her **anxious.**
Carl watched her reaction, amused. It reminded him of how Aokiji liked to scare young Robin. **And here I am, scaring Robin's mother.**
Still smirking, Carl added, **"But I'll tell you. There's something in that ruin I want, and I need it intact."**
Olivia's curiosity burned stronger, but she **didn't dare** ask further.
She nodded quickly. **"I understand. I'm happy to help. Shall we go now?"**
**"Not just yet."** Carl gestured toward her crew. **"You can't abandon a ship full of people. Tell them what they need to know first."**
Olivia hesitated. Then, she spoke cautiously. **"Then I'll have them return to Ohara."**
Carl raised an eyebrow. **"Hmm? Aren't you here for inspection? Let them wait for you in Alabasta. I'll bring you back quickly."**
"...Okay."
Olivia turned to her colleagues, carefully giving instructions. **"Stay in Alabasta. Be careful. Avoid any unnecessary attention."**
The scholars nodded, glancing at Carl nervously.
Once finished, she returned to him.
**"Alright, Admiral Black Dragon, we can leave now."**
**"Good."**
Without further warning, **black wings** unfurled from Carl's back.
The sudden gust from his takeoff sent the scholars **crashing** onto the deck. Olivia barely had time to react before she was **swept into his arms.**
The next thing she knew, they were **soaring.**
Her stomach **lurched.** The ship, the sea—everything **blurred** beneath them as Carl shot into the sky like a black meteor.
A voice from below muttered in awe, **"Are all Admirals monsters?"**
### **Carl's Warship**
High above the clouds, Carl's **warship** came into view. He landed smoothly on deck, his wings folding behind him.
The moment Olivia's feet touched the ground, she found herself surrounded by **Navy soldiers.**
**Saluting.**
Not to her—**to Carl.**
These weren't ordinary Marines.
Even among the Navy, Carl's personal fleet was **elite.** While they might seem inconspicuous at grander battles, to any ordinary force, they were **unstoppable warriors.**
Though their presence didn't faze Carl, Olivia felt their weight. Her throat went dry, and without realizing it, she **moved closer** to Carl.
His presence, terrifying as it was, somehow felt **safer** than the dozens of unreadable expressions around her.
As she studied Carl's youthful face, **admiration** flickered in her thoughts.
**To wield such power before turning twenty…**
**A prodigy.**
At that moment, a voice **cut through** the disciplined silence.
**"Cousin, you're back!"**
Olivia turned toward the speaker. A beautiful young woman approached Carl, leading the group of Marines. Her delicate features were framed by long dark hair, and her uniform bore an unmistakable insignia of **high rank.**
Olivia's eyes widened. **I know her.**
**"You're Lucia—the Fallen Angel of the Navy Supernova!"**
Lucia, her face calm and composed, **nodded.**
**"Yes, that's correct."**
Her voice was indifferent. Clearly, she had no interest in unnecessary conversation.
Olivia, realizing her mistake, **quickly apologized.**
**"I'm sorry. That was inappropriate of me. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is—"**
**"Nico Olivia,"** Lucia interrupted.
Olivia **blinked.**
Lucia's tone **softened.** Not toward her—but toward Carl.
**"Admiral Black Dragon mentioned you before."**
Then, before Olivia could process the shift, Lucia's expression **changed completely.**
She turned back to Carl, her gaze **brightening.** A small, **genuine smile** replaced her cold demeanor.
**"Cousin, you're back!"**
Carl didn't correct her. Instead, he reached out, **ruffling her dark hair.**
His usual smirk returned. **"Yeah. And I brought Olivia. Let's go."**
Lucia **nodded obediently.**
With a simple gesture, she gave the order.
The ship immediately **sprang into action.** Soldiers moved in sync, setting the course toward their destination.
Meanwhile, Olivia stood **still.**
She had noticed it.
Though Lucia had called him **cousin,** the way she looked at Carl…
Her instincts told her, their relationship was far more **complicated.**
But Olivia was not foolish.
She held her tongue.
Because no matter what she thought—**Carl Black Dragon was the last person she wanted to offend.**
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**+86 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg**